Geography

Geography stimulates an interest in and a sense of wonder about places. It helps people to make sense of a complex and dynamically changing world.

Entry Requirements

6 in GCSE geography

Assessment

Physical Systems Exam: 1.45hrs, 72 marks, 24% total award

Human Interactions: 1.45 hrs, 72 marks, 24% total award

Geographical Debates: 2/30 hrs, 96 marks, 32% total award

Investigative Geography : Non-examined assessment, which is an independent geographical investigation conducted by each candidate based on primary and secondary data. 60 marks, 20% of total award

The broad scope of geography allows it to complement most other subjects including RE, business studies and history. However, its links with science subjects, especially biology seem to be most common. In recent years, a number of A-level geography students have gone on to study medicine, pharmacy or veterinary science at university. The analytical nature of geography also makes it a sought after subject for careers in accountancy, law, business management and  finance. Teaching, careers in waste and water management or land-use planning are other common career choices for geographers.

A-level in Geography aims to encourage you to develop a range of essential skills for Higher Education and the world of work through content which is relevant to any citizen of the planet in the 21st century. Through exciting topics you will understand the nature of physical and human geography whilst unpicking the debates surrounding contemporary challenges facing the world today. You will develop their knowledge of locations, places, processes and environments, at all geographical scales and be able to recognise and be able to analyse the complexity of people-environment interactions at all geographical scales, and appreciate how these underpin understanding of some of the key issues facing the world today.  You will also understand the fundamental role of fieldwork as a tool to understand and generate new knowledge about the real world, and become skilled at planning, undertaking and evaluating fieldwork in appropriate situations.

A-level include the following key topics:

Physical Landscapes: Coastal landforms and Earth’s Life Support Systems

Human interactions: Changing Spaces, Making Places and Global Connections – Power and Borders

Geographical Debates – Hazardous Earth and Disease Dilemmas

Examination Board - OCR